MGUS, Smoldering Myeloma & Multiple Myeloma: Differences

Multiple myeloma (MM) patients must undergo a careful diagnostic workup to stage their disease. Before developing active myeloma, patients pass through two earlier disease stages — monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM). 

MGUS is the first stage of myeloma before symptoms are present. It's a benign precursor to multiple myeloma, and patients with MGUS may or may never develop active myeloma. 

In some patients, MGUS may progress to SMM, which is also asymptomatic. SMM may or may not eventually progress to active myeloma. In most cases, doctors will observe SMM patients without advising treatment until the condition progresses. However, some clinicians may recommend early intervention with high-risk SMM patients. 

MM, or active myeloma, is a cancer of the plasma cells produced in the bone marrow. Unlike MGUS and SMM, it has symptoms ranging from bone pain to fatigue. Understanding how the disease progresses is vital to navigating a diagnosis.

Table Highlighting Differences Between MGUS, SMM, and Active Myeloma

Note: Diagnosis of MGUS, SMM, or active myeloma is based on the full set of diagnostic criteria, not M-protein alone.

Understanding Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance

MGUS occurs when plasma cells secrete abnormal monoclonal proteins (M proteins) into the blood. If you have been diagnosed with or are suspected to have MGUS, see an experienced hematologist. A hematologist is a doctor who specializes in the problems of blood and bone marrow. 

While MGUS is a benign condition, it can sometimes progress to smoldering multiple myeloma, a premalignant stage that requires careful monitoring by a healthcare professional.

Some facts about MGUS 

• MGUS occurs in 3% to 5% of the population in the United States.  
• This rate is higher for those who are 50 years of age or older.
• MGUS is the earliest disease state associated with the subsequent development of myeloma. 

MGUS is typically asymptomatic, meaning that most individuals do not experience any noticeable symptoms related to the condition.

What Are the Types of MGUS?

Plasma cell type of MGUS comprises 85% of all MGUS cases. Yet, MGUS can arise from either plasma cells or lymphoid cells, and these two types of MGUS are biologically different. 

Plasma cell type MGUS 

Plasma cells are an important part of the human immune system, which is a complex network of multiple mechanisms. The immune system works to protect and defend the body from external threats (e.g., bacteria, viruses, toxins) and from internal threats (e.g., cancer), while protecting healthy cells. Plasma cells produce antibodies (also known as immunoglobulins or “Ig” for short) that protect us from infections. 

The types of MGUS are based on the type of immunoglobulin made. The most common are IgG and IgA. In rare cases, MGUS can also involve IgD, IgE, or IgM.

MGUS is actually very common. It affects about 3% to 5% of the population in the United States over the age of 50. The chance of an MGUS diagnosis goes up with age: it affects less than 1% of young adults and up to 10% of adults age 80 and older. MGUS is more common in men than in women.

People of African ancestry have double the risk of developing MGUS compared to white individuals. People with MGUS that originated from plasma cells have an overall 1% per year risk of progression to:

• Myeloma, a cancer of bone marrow plasma cells.
• Amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, a rare disorder where abnormal proteins form fibrils (fibers) that are deposited in tissues and organs.
• Light chain deposition disease (LCDD), a rare disorder where abnormal proteins cause granular deposits (not fibrils) to build up in organs, most often in the kidneys.

Lymphoid cell type of MGUS

Lymphoid cells are a type of white blood cell that begin their development in the bone marrow. They can also lead to the production of IgM type MGUS, which can progress to IgM myeloma, Waldenström macroglobulinemia (a slow-growing type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma also called lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma), or other slow-growing lymphomas. IgM MGUS is less common than plasma cell types of MGUS.

How Is MGUS Diagnosed? 

MGUS is generally asymptomatic. It is usually discovered through laboratory testing performed during the evaluation of other conditions.

Blood tests for MGUS

The most convenient way to diagnose MGUS is through blood tests. These tests are simple and not invasive. The following blood tests are usually part of routine medical care.

• Complete blood count (CBC) of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets can detect or rule out abnormalities.
• Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) measures many different substances to assess your metabolism and organ function.

Importantly, CMP measures the amount of serum calcium and creatinine, which would show if there is bone-calcium leakage or
kidney dysfunction.

The International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) guidelines recommend the following 3-test panel. ALL three of these low-cost and accurate tests must be used together.

These are the same tests used for MGUS, SMM, and active myeloma.

• Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) separates blood proteins to detect and measure the presence and amount of M-protein.
• Serum immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) identifies the heavy and light chain subtype of the M-protein.
• Serum free light chain (FLC) test measures kappa and lambda free (unbound) light chains in the blood to identify light-chain variants.

Urine tests for MGUS

Urine tests can help assess whether the M-protein is causing organ stress or damage. Urine tests can help identify MGUS subtypes or rule out more advanced conditions.

• 24-Hour Urine Protein Electrophoresis (UPEP) test uses a urine sample collected over 24 hours to measure the amount of M-protein or light chains filtered by the kidneys. Ask your doctor if the 3-test panel of SPEP, serum IFE, and serum FLC may eliminate the need for a 24-hour urine collection.
• Urine immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) test uses the same 24-hour urine sample to identify the heavy or light chain subtype of the M-protein.

Bone marrow tests for MGUS

For low-risk MGUS patients with M-protein of less than 1.5 g/dL and a normal FLC ratio, clinical guidelines state that bone marrow testing and full-body imaging can often be avoided.

If higher-risk markers or unexplained symptoms are present, the following testing is recommended:

• For a bone marrow aspiration, a needle is used to remove a sample of fluid and cells from the bone marrow for examination.
• For a bone marrow biopsy, a hollow needle is used to remove a sample of tissue from the bone. Bone marrow biopsy is usually done at the same time as bone marrow aspiration.
• For imaging, the tests used to assess possible bone, organ, and tissue damage are:
  • Low-dose skeletal computed axial tomography (LDCT) scan uses much less radiation than conventional CT, plus it does not use contrast agents to detect early bone disease.
  • Whole-body low-dose computed axial tomography (WBLDCT) has all the benefits of LDCT, plus it can scan the entire body.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/CT scans can focus on a part of the body or can provide whole-body imaging that shows bones, organs, and soft tissues. This type of imaging can distinguish precursor conditions (MGUS and SMM) from active myeloma.

What's Needed for an MGUS Diagnosis?

For an MGUS diagnosis, all of the following criteria must be met: 

1. Presence of M-protein in the serum < 3 g/dL,
2. Presence of monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow < 10%, and
3. Absence of CRAB criteria. 

For a diagnosis of light chain MGUS, all of the following criteria must be met: 

1. Abnormal free light chain (FLC) ratio < 0.26 or > 1.65,
2. Level of the appropriate involved light chain (increased kappa FLC in patients with a ratio > 1.65 and increased lambda FLC in patients with a ratio < 0.26),
3. No immunoglobulin heavy chain expression on IFE,
4. Absence of CRAB criteria,
5. Presence of monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow < 10%, and
6. Presence of M-protein in the urine based on a 24-hour collection < 500 mg. 

If your test results indicate myeloma or another protein disorder, additional testing will be performed to establish a diagnosis. These tests will likely include the following:

• lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
• beta-2 microglobulin (β₂M), and
• C-reactive protein (CRP).

If the test results are within normal ranges, you will be tested again in six months with SPEP and CBC. Then, you will also be tested annually for life or until changes occur. 

What Is the Risk Progression of MGUS to Myeloma?

Progression from MGUS to active myeloma occurs at the low rate of only 1% per year. Only 20% of people diagnosed with MGUS will ever develop myeloma. It is not yet known what triggers progression. Researchers are working to gain a better understanding of biologic events that take place when MGUS develops into myeloma.

The IMF International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) has established the following risk factors for MGUS progressing to myeloma: 

1. M-protein level is more than 1.5 g/dL (can also be written as 15 g/L),
2. M-protein type is IgA or IgM, and
3. Abnormal FLC ratio of kappa to lambda FLCs. 

Risk of progression from MGUS to active myeloma is categorized as follows:

• Low risk MGUS has 0 factors; 20-year risk of progression is 5%.
• Low-intermediate-risk MGUS has 1 risk factor; 20-year risk of progression is 20%.
• High-intermediate-risk MGUS has 2 risk factors; 20-year risk of progression is 40%.
• High-risk MGUS has all 3 risk factors; 20-year risk of progression is 60%.

If you are diagnosed with intermediate-risk or high-risk MGUS during your baseline testing, you should also have a bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy. The same bone marrow sample that is obtained should also be used for cytogenetic studies. Visit Tests to assess monoclonal protein to learn about the tests used to identify and quantify M-protein.

How Should MGUS Be Monitored? 

In the United States, MGUS is a common condition, with approximately 5% of people over 50. The rate is higher for people of African descent. If MGUS is diagnosed, monitoring is typically needed every 6–12 months on a long-term basis. Tests include the following:

• CBC
• Serum FLC
• SPEP or UPEP

The vast majority of people with MGUS are monitored for many years without the need for additional medical attention. If the M-protein level remains stable and there are no symptoms or other health changes, your doctor may extend the time between tests.

Your doctor may also determine that additional tests are needed. If you experience any change in your health between doctor visits, you must promptly inform your doctor. There are no treatments for MGUS that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

MGUS and the IMF's iStopMM Study

Launched in November 2016, iStopMM® (Iceland Screens Treats or Prevents Multiple Myeloma) is the largest-ever population-based screening study for MGUS, SMM, and myeloma. The iStopMM study invited the approximately 140,000 residents of Iceland who are over age 40 to be screened for the presence of M-protein in the serum or urine. More than half of the invited population volunteered to take part in the iStopMM study. 

The iStopMM study is monitoring people with MGUS in order to better understand disease biology, identify the genes that drive disease progression, and determine who may benefit from early intervention. 

The many outcomes from the iStopMM study will benefit not only Iceland but the myeloma community around the world. iStopMM is supported by the IMF Black Swan Research Initiative® (BSRI®). 

Several important manuscripts by the iStopMM research team reported findings that were published in 2026.

Impact of screening – Journal of Clinical Oncology

In this study, of the 75,422 adults who were screened for MGUS, 3,541 people were diagnosed. Being informed of an MGUS diagnosis was not associated with worse psychological well-being. 

After a median follow-up of 4.5 years, screening led to a 27-fold increase in the detection of SMM (8.6% vs. 0.3%). 

People who were identified to have active myeloma or related blood cancers were diagnosed about 1 year earlier, before myeloma-related organ damage was identified, making early treatment of myeloma possible. The overall rate of active myeloma did not differ between study groups. The possible exception was a group of individuals between 40 to 70 years of age, where a sub-analysis showed a lower risk of developing active myeloma for those in active follow-up.

Defining light chain MGUS – European Journal of Haematology

The iStopMM study has revised criteria for light chain MGUS (LC-MGUS), with the goal of improving diagnostic accuracy. According to the manuscript, standard blood FLC test ranges may diagnose too many individuals with LC-MGUS due to FLC levels naturally being higher with age, chronic kidney disease, or in people of African ancestry. New reference ranges reduced LC-MGUS diagnoses by 82%. Importantly, people who no longer met the criteria for LC-MGUS did not develop related disease during the 4.6 years of follow-up. Several studies from other countries have confirmed the updated FLC ranges.

Understanding Smoldering Multiple Myeloma

Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is an asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms) precursor state of active myeloma. Similar to MGUS, M-protein is present in people with SMM, but the amount of M-protein is greater with SMM than with MGUS. Between 10% and 60% myeloma cells are present in the bone marrow of people with SMM.

SMM and the IMF's iStopMM Study

An important early finding from the iStopMM study was that the prevalence of SMM is higher than expected: 

• 0.53% in persons 40 years or older
• 0.67% in men 
• 0.39% in women, with the prevalence increasing with age

This finding enhances the potential value of screening in that early interventions can be offered with hopes of improved outcomes.

Defining light chain SMM – Leukemia Journal

The iStopMM researchers aimed to better define light-chain smoldering multiple myeloma (LC-SMM), a rare form of SMM. The team defined LC-SMM as having abnormal serum FLC and ratio, 10–59% plasma cells in the bone marrow, no detectable intact immunoglobulin on SPEP or IFE, and no myeloma-defining events. 

How Is Smoldering Multiple Myeloma Diagnosed?

Smoldering multiple myeloma may be diagnosed in these scenarios:

• When a person with MGUS is being observed by their healthcare team,
• In the course of a routine exam, or
• When an individual seeks or receives care for another condition.

Tests to diagnose SMM

The diagnostic process includes blood testing described above in the MGUS section: 

• CBC
• CMP
• SPEP
• serum FLC

At the time of SMM diagnosis plus within 2 to 3 months after the diagnosis, a 24-hour urine collection for UPEP and IFE should be performed.

Baseline bone marrow testing and imaging should also be performed. Baseline testing provides the initial data that is later used to compare against subsequent data.

What Are the Diagnostic Criteria for Smoldering Multiple Myeloma? 

For a diagnosis of SMM, the following criteria must be met:

• 10% to 60% monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow
• No myeloma-defining events (MDE)
• Absence of amyloidosis

M-protein testing can be variable with 

• an M-spike in the serum or urine, 
• elevated light chains, or 
• no M-protein at all.

How Should Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM) Be Monitored?

After diagnosis, monitoring of SMM should be done by an experienced hematologist-oncologist, preferably by a myeloma specialist. 

The goal of monitoring is to catch possible progression to active myeloma early, while avoiding unnecessary treatment side effects. When monitoring begins, exams should take place every 3 to 4 months, and should include blood and urine tests, with or without imaging studies.

Depending on your SMM monitoring history and the latest status of your SMM, your doctor may determine that your evaluations should take place less frequently or more frequently.

The PANGEA-SMM Risk Calculator at pangeamodels.org was launched in March 2026. It is a free online calculator designed to help monitor patients with SMM. This tool tracks how lab results change over time. It helps with early detection of high-risk SMM while helping patients with low-risk SMM avoid frequent biopsies or unnecessary treatment.

What Is the Risk Progression of Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM) to Active Myeloma?

The risk of progression from SMM to active myeloma is 10% per year for the first 5 years, 3% per year for the next 5 years, and 1%–2% per year for the next 10 years. Some people with SMM never develop active myeloma.

If SMM is diagnosed, clinical guidelines recommend determining the risk of progression to active myeloma. This is based on a patient having none, one, two, or all three risk factors that are most associated with progression from SMM to active myeloma.

1. Serum M-protein greater than 2 g/dL,
2. Bone marrow plasma cell (BMPC) infiltration greater than 20%, and/or
3. Ratio of involved-to-uninvolved serum Free Light Chain assay greater than 20.

The hematologist monitoring your SMM will discuss the following
imaging studies with you:

• WBLDCT (listed in the MGUS section), which does not require the use of contrast agents and uses much less radiation than conventional CT, is considered standard of care to detect and document early bone disease.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine and pelvis are highly recommended because these sensitive studies are better able to predict for more rapid progression to active myeloma.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) can be combined with WBLDCT or MRI to reveal areas in the body where myeloma cells can accumulate and cause damage.

The Mayo Clinic’s 2/20/20 Criteria and High-Risk SMM (HR-SMM)

In 2018, the Mayo Clinic published the 2/20/20 criteria. Patients with 2 or 3 of the factors listed below are categorized as having HR-SMM, with an approximately 50% risk of progression to active myeloma within 2 years

• Serum M-protein > 2 g/dL,
• Bone marrow plasma cell (BMPC) infiltration > 20%, and/or
• Ratio of involved-to-uninvolved serum FLC > 20. 

A new and evolving model by the IMWG includes other biomarkers with optional testing for high-risk chromosomal abnormalities. These abnormalities can be identified by the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test. The risk of progression is increased when chromosomal abnormalities are present. Patients with more than one chromosomal abnormality have a higher 2-year progression to myeloma than those who have none:

• Low-risk SMM without chromosomal abnormalities, 6% risk of progression.
• Low intermediate-risk SMM with 1 chromosomal abnormality, 23% risk of progression.
• Intermediate-risk SMM with 2 chromosomal abnormalities, 46% risk of progression.
• HR-SMM with 3 or more chromosomal abnormalities, 63% risk of progression.

Patients with myeloma-defining events (MDE) are classified as having active myeloma, not SMM.

When Might SMM Progress to Active Myeloma? 

Ongoing research is being conducted to identify the risk factors for progressing from SMM to active myeloma. A system of precise criteria does not exist now. However, the average risk progression from SMM to active myeloma is 10% per year.

In 2014, The Lancet published the IMWG updated criteria for the diagnosis of myeloma. SMM patients with 80% or greater risk of progression to myeloma within 2 years were defined as having early active myeloma. To help prevent the development of end-organ damage, a patient should be treated for myeloma if any of the myeloma-defining events (MDE) are present. 

In 2018, Blood Cancer Journal published a statistical analysis of variables among patients with SMM at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Further refinements to the 2/20/20 criteria were made with the addition of the following two high-risk factors: 

• chromosomal abnormality +1q (a gain of chromosome 1q),
• chromosomal abnormality del13q (a deletion of chromosome 13q). 

If one or both of these abnormalities are found by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing of myeloma cells, the risk of disease progression is increased. 

In 2020, Blood Cancer Journal published the IMWG risk stratification model for SMM that can be applied across the globe using easily available data. 

Dr. María-Victoria Mateos and colleagues assembled an international cohort of 1,996 patients with SMM who met the revised IMWG criteria. Patients with ≥ 80% risk of progression at 2 years were excluded because they are considered to have active myeloma by current definition. 

Factors Representing a High Chance of Progression

Three independent factors were identified predicting high-risk SMM (HR SMM) progression to active myeloma at 2 years based on the 2/20/20 criteria. This translates into 3 categories with an increasing 2-year progression risk: 

• 6% for low-risk patients with no risk factors,
• 18% for intermediate-risk patients who have 1 factor, and
• 44% for high-risk patients who have 2 or more factors. 

In addition, presence of chromosomal abnormalities t(4;14), t(14;16), +1q, and/or del13q allowed for further separation into the following 4 groups: 

1. Low-risk SMM patients had no cytogenetic abnormalities. Low risk of progression to active myeloma.
2. Low intermediate-risk SMM patients with 1 cytogenetic abnormality had the progression risk at 2 years of 23%.
3. Intermediate-risk SMM patients with 2 cytogenetic abnormalities had the progression risk at 2 years of 46%.
4. High-risk SMM (HR SMM) patients with 3 or more cytogenetic abnormalities had the progression risk at 2 years of 63%. 

What Is the Treatment for Smoldering Multiple Myeloma? 

Typically, SMM is not treated. Yet, based on the risk of progression of a patient's SMM, some of these patients may have available treatment options. 

As discussed earlier, SMM patients are either low-risk, low-intermediate-risk, intermediate-risk, or high-risk. For the first three risk categories mentioned, no treatment is recommended, but rather, continuous observation. 

The AQUILA trial: FDA approves first treatment for high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma

In 2025, the FDA granted the first and only approval of a treatment for adult patients with HR-SMM. The approval of Darzalex Faspro® (daratumumab plus hyaluronidase-fihj) is based on data from the AQUILA clinical trial, which compared single-agent therapy (monotherapy) with Darzalex Faspro for up to 36 months vs. monitoring (observation) in 390 patients with HR-SMM.

Patients in the treatment arm of the study received Darzalex Faspro once-weekly as a subcutaneous (SQ) injection under the skin. These patients demonstrated a 63.4% overall response rate (ORR) and lowered progression to active myeloma or death by 51%.

Darzalex Faspro is approved for patients with HR-SMM. It is not approved for other risk categories of SMM.

For more information about this drug and its potential side effects, read the IMF’s publication Understanding DARZALEX® (daratumumab) and DARZALEX FASPRO® (daratumumab + hyaluronidase-fihj).

What Are Some Clinical Trials for Smoldering Multiple Myeloma?

A clinical trial is a medical research study with people who volunteer to test scientific approaches for preventing, detecting, diagnosing, or treating cancer, or to answer scientific questions. A clinical trial is launched only after laboratory studies have demonstrated the potential of a new treatment or procedure to be more effective or less harmful than existing methods. The goal of clinical trials is to improve patient care. Many studies are evaluating treatment choices in SMM. Noted below are three key studies that produced important data about the role of treatment in SMM. 

The LINKER-SMM1 clinical trial 

Preliminary results presented at the 2025 International Myeloma Society (IMS) annual meeting on the use of Lynozyfic™ (linvoseltamab) monotherapy for people with HR-SMM demonstrated a response rate of 100% in the group of 20 study patients. Lynozyfic is a bispecific antibody; you can learn about it in the IMF’s publication Understanding LYNOZYFIC™ (linvoseltamab-gcpt). 

The CAR-PRISM clinical trial 

Carvykti® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy currently approved by the FDA for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), and this approach is delivering deep and durable responses for many patients. The objectives of the CAR-PRISM study of Carvykti in HR-SMM are to determine safety and assess efficacy. 

Six patients with HR-SMM have been treated, with a median follow-up of 6 months (60 days to 1 year). All patients achieved MRD-negativity at 10^-6 by day 28 and MRD-negativity was sustained in all patients to date of the ASH presentation without any evidence of disease progression. The overall response rate (ORR) is 100%, with a complete response (CR) rate of 50% and responses deepening over time. Long-term follow up is required to determine if the study responses will be sustained. For more information, read the IMF’s publication Understanding CARVYKTI® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel). 

The ASCENT clinical trial 

The ASCENT clinical trial was designed as an attempt to cure patients with HR-SMM. While the answer to this question can come only after years of follow-up, patients in the study arm of combination therapy with Darzalex the proteasome inhibitor Kyprolis® (carfilzomib) the immunomodulatory agent Revlimid® (lenalidomide), and the steroid dexamethasone [DKRd] achieved high rates of deep and durable responses, including high rates of sustained MRD-negativity. Treatment was given for a fixed duration of 2 years and was well-tolerated. The responses appear durable, with the 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate of 90%. 

Finding a study to match your needs 

A clinical trial may give you access to treatment that is not yet available outside of a study.  

If you have SMM and are interested in participating in a clinical trial, it is essential to discuss with your doctor all the potential risks and benefits in your particular case, including the physical and psychological aspects of treatment as opposed to observation. 
To help with personalized support for exploring clinical trial options across the U.S., the IMF has partnered with SparkCures. Visit myeloma.org/sparkcures or contact the IMF InfoLine for more information.

The U.S. government maintains the website clinicaltrials.gov, an online database of thousands of research studies from around the world. You may wish to also explore this resource. However, the U.S. government does not review or approve the safety and science of all the studies listed on this website. 

For more information about what’s involved in study participation, read the IMF’s publication Understanding Clinical Trials in Myeloma.
 

What Is Active Myeloma? 

All patients who develop active myeloma have previously had MGUS followed by SMM. A patient with SMM may remain at the "smoldering" stage for years without progressing to active myeloma. However, if you are at risk of progressing to active disease or if you have already been diagnosed with myeloma, this is the time to seek an opinion (or a second opinion) from a myeloma specialist.

Myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells, which are white blood cells that make antibodies. According to the National Cancer Institute SEER Program, myeloma is estimated to represent only 1.7% of all new cases of cancer diagnosed in the U.S. in 2026. A local hematologist or oncologist might see a few myeloma patients or none at all. 

Myeloma specialists at large "high-volume" treatment centers or academic institutions treat hundreds of myeloma patients, conduct clinical trials with new drugs and new combination therapies, and develop the expertise needed to help you make good decisions about your care.

Diagnosing Active Myeloma

A diagnosis of active myeloma is made when the patient experiences the following: 

• 10% or more clonal plasma cells in bone marrow, and
• at least one myeloma-defining event (MDE).

Myeloma is a highly individual disease. Often, it is slow-moving. Sometimes, it can be very aggressive. The urgency of treatment depends upon the exact problems faced by an individual patient. An experienced myeloma specialist can tailor a treatment approach best suited to your specific situation, as well as anticipate and prevent or mitigate treatment-related problems. 

Many highly effective therapies are approved for treating myeloma by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and by other regulatory agencies. New approvals are expanding treatment options, and the rate of development of new drugs continues to accelerate. 

Quality of Life After Diagnosis

Many patients with myeloma lead full and productive lives for years, even decades, after diagnosis. Survival and quality of life of myeloma patients are improving steadily. Learning about myeloma and understanding how it is treated can help patients and their loved ones reduce anxiety and gain a sense of control. Overall, it makes it easier to come to terms with the diagnosis. 

Medical Problems Related to Myeloma 

Find Your Local Group 

The International Myeloma Foundation has various support groups to assist you on your journey. Find a local group or join the online community today.

What’s Next?

With advancements in medicine, thousands of people have gone on to live thriving, abundant, and full lives after having been diagnosed with active myeloma. The most important step you can take next is staying informed about MM and what you can expect based on the type you have.

By understanding the kind of myeloma you have, you and your healthcare team can assess how your disease may progress and how it should be treated.